If all you have to manage at your business is accounting, than there isn’t really much difference. But not many of us have just accounting to think about. Years ago, accounting software was much more popular, but today ERP software is taking the lead.

Here are a few key reasons how they’re different and why ERP ranks higher in popularity today:

1. Accounting is a Subset of ERP Software. Accounting software manages your financials so you can manage accounts receivable and payable, budgets, and payroll. But the functionality usually ends there. If you want to track other areas such as orders, inventory, or historic data, you’re out of luck. ERP Software can extend your reach and streamline all areas of your business including accounting.
2. Better Control of Your Resources. Since accounting software doesn’t reach into various departments, it’s difficult to control your resources such as headcount, materials used, costs in relation to profits and equipment. With ERP Software, you gain insight into details so you can make good business decision.
3. Profitability Analysis Capabilities. Accounting software helps you take the necessary actions to accept payments and pay employees, but it doesn’t give you information so you can figure out your profitability. If you’re not actually making money, you need to know that in order to do things differently. ERP Software tracks everything from start to finish in real-time and therefor can provide data to help you achieve higher profitability.

If you have questions about more differences between accounting software and ERP software, please feel free to contact us at PANGEA Business Solutions.

By Alexandra Gonzalez with PANGEA Business Solutions- http://www.pangeabsi.com/

You’ve met those people that just have a way of livening up a party. Their personality transforms the vibe in a room. I like to compare ERP Software with that “life of the party”…it just has a way of transforming business and creates a good “vibe” all-around. How exactly does it do this? Let us count the ways…

1. Talkative: When implemented correctly, ERP Software doesn’t shut up! But in a good way. The business intelligence available through the solution helps you see important reports as well as make good business decisions that affect your company’s success.
2. Approachable: ERP software should be easy-to-use. For example, Microsoft Dynamics ERP solutions are built on platforms you’re already familiar with. So if you use Microsoft Outlook, you can definitely use Microsoft Dynamics® GP or Microsoft Dynamics CRM. But if your team is scared to even start up the system, well then it’s not going to transform your business and you’re going to lose money on your investment…fast!
3. Easy-Going: ERP software should be flexible and help your business take things as they come. Not everything can be planned; so for those wild and hectic days, ERP software can roll with the punches, maintaining a good business flow.

If you are drawn to the ‘life of the party’, you’re probably drawn to ERP software for your business. Contact us at PANGEA Business Solutions to find out more about Microsoft Dynamics ERP.

By Alexandra Gonzalez with PANGEA Business Solutions- http://www.pangeabsi.com/

With the Summer Olympics in full swing, it’s easy to get inspired by the supreme athleticism and powerful positivity. Even if the media insists on focusing on Gabby Douglas’ hair or Ryan Lochte’s “mystery girl”! But all in all, the Olympics are a big deal.

Similar to the Olympics, your ERP Software should be a big deal too. Many organizations overlook answering the most important question before searching for the solution right for their business. You need to determine just how big your organization is, before deciding how big you need your ERP software to be. Some solutions, such as Microsoft Dynamics® GP can scale with you as you grow. But some solutions can stop you in your tracks. Even if you’re not sure of your growth (as I’m sure the Greeks didn’t expect the Olympics to take on like it did), you should still play it safe so you don’t have to pay for it later.

The Olympics also bring every country in the world together. Although they’re competing against each other in ever athletic form, they’re still creating connections that we all need. Your ERP software should connect your organization. Your departments probably won’t compete against each other, but if they can all use the same system, then you have a step ahead of the rest.

So as you cheer on the U.S. or any other country for that matter, think about how big of a deal your ERP software is for your business. GO USA!

By Alexandra Gonzalez with PANGEA Business Solutions, Microsoft Dynamics Partner out of Florida

Comparing software functions is sometimes like comparing apples to oranges.  There are often more differing software features, than similar features and comparing Microsoft Dynamics® GP to QuickBooks by Inuit is no exception.

QuickBooks is one of the top-rated financial software packages for small businesses.  It can organize finances so that you know your sales, can track expenses, and can find customer and vendor information quickly and easily.  Using categorical description of expenses will help you track spending.  Knowing where your money is going will enable you to create better budgets and curb wasteful spending.  If you have a small business and need a solution just for the books alone, then QuickBooks might be the right software for you.  However, if you have more going on and are looking to grow, then take a look at what Microsoft Dynamics GP can offer.

Microsoft Dynamics GP is another top-rated solution that can also capture financial data, track payables and receivables, and neatly organize your books just like QuickBooks.  In addition to capturing critical financial data, Microsoft Dynamics GP can also capture manufacturing data, provide project and services management functionality, give you deeper insight into your supply chain, and offers powerful business intelligence and reporting.  It also offers human resources and payroll management.   Microsoft Dynamics GP is suitable for both small businesses and mid-sized businesses.  It is scalable, so you can choose the features that are most appropriate for your business today and add additional functionality as your business grows and changes.  This software is also easily customized to capture the data that might be unique to your specific business operations.  Capturing more data than just finances alone will provide valuable insight into all areas of your business.  Learning more about how production and marketing efforts affect the bottom line will enable you to streamline operations, determine which activities yield the best results, and improve the productivity throughout your organization – beyond the accounting department.  Identify new opportunities quicker, respond to customers faster, and make more decisions based on accurate, real-time data that will drive your business growth.

While QuickBooks may be ideal for small businesses, Microsoft Dynamics GP is an even better solution for small and mid-sized business.  If you intend on growing your business – whether expanding locations, offering additional products or services, or hiring more employees – then you may find yourself re-evaluating software solutions and Microsoft Dynamics GP will still be amongst the software options that make the most sense for your business.  Contact PANGEA Business Solutions for more information about QuickBooks and Microsoft Dynamics GP and about choosing the right software solution for your business needs today and into the future.

By Alexandra Gonzalez with PANGEA Business Solutions, Microsoft Dynamics Partner out of Florida

It might seem obvious that if you add automation to the office, you’ll be able to get more done and faster.  Any manual process that you can automate will save time.  What is less obvious, might be what processes to automate.  Adding the right enterprise resource planning (ERP) software will add automation throughout your company that will save time, improve accuracy, and improve the bottom line.

Businesses of all sizes have found success with the added automation provided by Microsoft Dynamics® GP.  This comprehensive ERP software solution offers management of financials, manufacturing, project and services management, supply chain, and other core business functionality.  Having all of your critical data in a single software solution will save you time from having to open other software programs or search through file folders.  Like other commonly used Microsoft products, Microsoft Dynamics GP is easy to learn and use – a big time-saver.  Employees can be confident that they are entering data properly and you can be confident that you have real time data to use to drive business growth.

Automating financials is a quick way to save time and improve accuracy of data.  Microsoft Dynamics GP will link business operations with financials which will reduce the need for double-entries, such as entering project expenses, then having to enter accounts payables data, followed by accounts receivable data.  Having to enter data repeatedly increases the chance for human error.  You might miss an entry or put it in the wrong spot.

When you have the right technology, such as Microsoft Dynamics GP, you can streamline how data is captured and shared.  You also reduce the chance for human error, losing data, or improperly entering data, which will improve data accuracy.  The time you save by using the right ERP solution can be used on other important business tasks.  Contact PANGEA Business Solutions for more time-saving tips offered by Microsoft Dynamics GP.

By Alexandra Gonzalez with PANGEA Business Solutions, Microsoft Dynamics Partner out of Florida

Customized ERP has a bad rap mainly because it means a much larger price tag for you. It can have its benefits, but here are some situations when you shouldn’t modify your ERP solution.

• Your current ERP software solution is old and out of date. If customization requires a matrix of coded workarounds, it is not worth the money you’re throwing at it to do its job. Manipulating software is necessary to some extent, but if your software currently causes more headache than relief, then it may be time to start from scratch.

• You’re not entirely sure of what you need it to do. ERP software customizations aren’t a time for experimentation. You need to be absolutely clear of what your main goals and objectives are before entering into the world of software modification. If you jump in before you’re ready, you risk wasting valuable time, resources, and a huge chunk of your software budget. This is where a software partner is vital in the process. They know what questions to ask and what areas to focus on. There are also phased approaches to ERP implementation that can ease the overwhelming nature of these projects as well as go easy on your budget.

If you’re trying to answer the questions of whether to modify or not modify your current ERP solution, contact us at PANGEA Business Solutions for guidance. We can ensure you make the right decision for your company.

By Alexandra Gonzalez with PANGEA Business Solutions, Florida Microsoft Dynamics Partner

Some may argue that higher Return on Investment (ROI) while achieving lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) just isn’t possible. We’re here today (with research to back us up) to prove it’s not only possible but essential in today’s economy. Aberdeen Research did a study to show that lowering the total cost of ownership for ERP just isn’t enough for businesses anymore. They need to be convinced that the implementation of ERP will enhance and improve their business, financially and operationally.

Aberdeen has covered all the bases in this whitepaper when trying to quantify ROI in comparison with TCO for ERP Software. They have measured improvements achieved through ERP implementation which then creates a view into cost reductions across the board.

This Whitepaper confirms that a well-managed ERP solution can be a dependable source of cost savings and operational improvements.  Read the complete whitepaper here and let us know if you have any questions.

By Alexandra Gonzalez with PANGEA Business Solutions, Florida Microsoft Dynamics Partner

Vendors that focus on the discrete pieces of ERP software without understanding the entire picture just don’t make the cut. You need a solution that covers everything, and it is possible- more today, than ever. Not only do your vendors need to understand the big picture, you need to have a good handle on what goes on during the implementation process. It is possible to acquire a holistic ERP solution, but it’s going to take work on your part and that of your software vendor’s.

Important things to keep in mind:

-        A holistic solution may mean integration of a number of products. Every business is different, and some even have industry specific solutions. Although this may hit your budget harder than you thought, the end benefit of connecting various products to receive a comprehensive picture of your business is huge.

-        Pay close attention to how new ERP software reacts with your current IT solutions. Sometimes addition of ERP software can muddy up the waters if you don’t keep them in mind. You need to ask how this will affect your current solutions before anything is actually done.

Although it is extremely possible to acquire a holistic ERP solution, it will take time, dedication, and resources to get to where you want to be. This isn’t meant to scare you off, but is a realistic view at what to expect. Please contact us at PANGEA Business Solutions with any questions about ERP Software.

By Alexandra Gonzalez with PANGEA Business Solutions, Florida Microsoft Dynamics Partner

When you go to a new ERP system, you are really changing your company and putting it in place to go forward. Some companies get blind-sided because they do not really understand the depth of change that is going to happen.  There is no doubt it is a good change if done right, but the first step is to accept that change. Otherwise, you and your company may be doomed.

In addition to understanding it yourself, you need to prepare your employees for the weeks and months ahead. Be completely clear on the implementation steps, so everyone knows what to expect. It is definitely not going to be easy. ERP software requires more information, has more disciplined processes, and is ultimately more work in the beginning. The truth is your employees are not going to like it, but they will thank you in the end because in a few years, your business will still be booming and they will still have a job.

The fact of the matter is ERP software changes the front end and back end of your organization so that you can scale to the demands of market upswings and downswings. You will be able to compete with the big guys and make the path for optimal growth.

If you have been considering making this huge change, but just are not sure where to begin, contact us at PANGEA Business Solutions to learn more.

By Alexandra Gonzalez with PANGEA Business Solutions, Florida Microsoft Dynamics Partner

ERP Software is not something you can set up and then just forget about for years. It requires regular checkups, upgrades, and assessments to meet the needs of your business.

Although regular checkups are necessary, it’s easy to get comfortable with what you have when it comes to software. Upgrades can scare users off because it means changes that they have to adjust to. Our human nature is to avoid change when possible, but that doesn’t mean it’s the right approach. The clues that changes are needed are often missed because we choose to ignore them, but if you set somewhat of a “timer” for your ERP Software, then you quickly run out of excuses.  If you have something else or even someone else, such as a trusted ERP software partner, reminding you to reassess your business, then you’re less likely to run into the problems that occur with outdated software.

Sometimes, not a lot of change is needed, but it is still essential that you re-evaluate your business processes often. Once you do this, you know what your software should and shouldn’t do. If you need help in setting a timer for your ERP Software or evaluating your business needs, feel free to contact us at PANGEA Business Solutions.

By Alexandra Gonzalez with PANGEA Business Solutions, Florida Microsoft Dynamics Partner